zennie i use nothing at all - just water. and i don't even bath dd every night, because sometimes she's asleep when ds has his bath and then she misses out. if your baby's a bit prone to eczema or peeling skin, why don't you try not using soap and reducing bathing (you could 'top and tail' him with a cloth every second day). and maybe change washing powders too and see if that helps. there are also all sorts of soap-free body washes you can buy, like the QV range or various plant-based ones.

sharon and good luck for your talk with ds. maybe you should try some counselling, it might really help you get on top of things emotionally. in the meantime be kind to yourself and take it one day at a time.

sarah i hope you're enjoying your new clothes. i can't wait to go out and get my hair cut and get something new to wear - i know it will give me a boost. i'm kind of hoping to get rid of some tummy first, because like you and grubi i still have a way to go! if only i had the time to get to gym...

beatrix i'd love a maid too. i sometimes tell dh he should get a second wife, one who loves to clean and enjoys looking after children!

i've had many 'not coping' days this week and have been feeling teary and exhausted. we're all sick, dd is constantly congested and coughing, and all the people i had lined up to help me out have cancelled one by one due to various illnesses (SO inconsiderate - can't they schedule their sick days for different weeks?!).